False Start for Athletics Detection system with sound amplification

 

Introduction...

In 1993 the TimeTronics FalseStart I system was the first commercial electronic false start detection system of its kind, and was used succesfully since then on many major international athletic meets worldwide. Besides the main purpose, the verification of the honest start of all athletes, it brings the sound of the starting shot AND the voice of the starter to a loudspeaker which is built into each athlete's starting block. The actual version, FalseStart II, is a redesigned version which introduced many new interesting features like the recording of the starters delay time, the printout of extra information like race name, heat #, starters name, etc. Of course, this system still incorporates the same Built-In-Test feature, a simple and fast menu-operated function to test the complete electronics, sensors and cables.

Mobile...

As you can see on the photo on the left, the FalseStart system is now housed in a super practical and nice looking trolley on two wheels, with two built-in reels that contain the extension cables to the starting blocks and the photo-finish timing. A carrying case contains all 8 (or optional 10) numbered starting modules which are easily mounted with velcro strips onto any model of standard starting blocks (not included).

Measurement...

Each starting module contains an electronic acceleration sensor, which is continuously measuring the applied force of the athlete a thousand times per second. The starting shot will initiate a verification procedure to check if there was a false start of one or more athletes (reaction time less than 0.10 s). This is done by interpretation of the measured values for a period of 0.2 s before until 0.4 s after the starting shot. This way all possible incorrect alarms for the starter are avoided. It takes of course an intelligent digital processing algorithm to define the exact starting moment from the complex signal which is measured from the blocks. This because during the "set" period the intense force of some athletes can make the blocks vibrate, which has to be digitally filtered out. Our long experience in this matter will guarantee you a problem-free operation.

Front panel...

All electronic functions of the FalseStart are combined in one apparatus. The frontpanel contains the most often used connections: to the start detector which is placed on the starting pistol, and to the headset with built-in microphone. Two push-buttons to the right of the LCD-display are used to control the equipment by selecting from the software menu, for example to change settings or to printout some results. If you don't like to use the optional features, one simply has to press the "Ready" button to prepare for the next race, that's all. The printer can make hardcopies of any recorded race on thermal paper, as many times and when you would like it.

Result display...

The LCD-display of the FS-equipment does not only show the menu to operate the system, but also the measurement results. The lanes are displayed in fastest first order. A clear indication ("False - Ok") will show the starter which athlete(s) should be penalised. Of course it is the starter himself who will make the final decision.

Result printout...

A detailed report of all registered results can be printed out on request, only when needed, and in the quantity that you would like to have it. The system contains a non-volatile memory so that all measurements are memorised even after the moment that you switch the system off. The FalseStart system also incorporates an automatic power down feature, to preserve the internal battery when not in use. For safety reasons, it will first warn the operator before shutting down.

 

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